Installing SQL from SetupBuilder

[NewsArchive]

I have an install, which packages SQL Express with it. However, because of
the size of our application suite, and the potential size of the database if
used multi-user, we recommend a "better version" of MS SQL. To accommodate
this, we have completely twisted up the SQL install script to be one of our
own, prompting whether to install the included SQL express, or a
"customer-purchased" version. If the later, it helps the user find the
setup.exe, and runs it with our switches, setting up our own instance with
the security we need to work.

All this being said, I have run into a problem. PID keys. Currently I am
using a command line install, but I believe an INI install will have the
same problem. If you don't provide a PID key, the install process fails.
However, other than popping a dialog and just asking for it with no
validation seems to be an obvious point of failure.

So, What are the recommendations? What is the best way to handle the PID
key the MS SQL requires during install?

Anyone's help is appreciated!
-Glenn.

[NewsArchive]

Glenn,

Perhaps this link might help? It describes how to use a
WORKSTATION_TEMPLATE.INI and insert your key in the PIDKEY parameter.

http://blog.mathomsolutions.com/default.asp?Display=12

What do you think?

Friedrich

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Friedrich Linder
Lindersoft
www.lindersoft.com
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[NewsArchive]

I read that, and several others.
My problem, is that "as the vendor", I don't have the customer's PID key.
I can ask for it, simple enough, and put it anywhere I want it.

My issue is in validation. I have no way to validate this 25 character
alpha-numeric string, which has a VERY high probability of being input
wrong. And, if it's wrong, the entire install falls on it's face.

I guess, what I am asking, is ...
Does anyone know of a way to either:
1. Validate a Microsoft SQL Key
2. Set up the command-line/INI structure so that the SQL install will
ask for the PID Key, while still using all the other settings in the
command-line/INI structure?

(Maybe I just need to ask "Does any of this make sense, or am I WAY off in
left field?")

Thanks,
-Glenn.

[NewsArchive]

IMO, validation is not possible. I checked the SQL 2005 .iso, but there
there seems not to be any component that can be called to verify the PID
Key. Perhaps it's in one of the .msi files, but I did not check this.

Friedrich

[NewsArchive]

Glenn,

You might want to add the option to launch the MSSQL install program from
yours. Also, if you don't need the full product, use the redistributable
manager (under the Help menu).


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Russell B. Eggen
www.radfusion.com
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